The U.S. House of Representatives has called on President Trump to impose sanctions on Nigeria due to rising violence against Christians by Islamist extremists. This request emerged following discussions on Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern, which was revoked by the Biden administration. Lawmakers, citing important statistics and testimonies, expressed concern over the persecution of Christians and urged for urgent action to address the crisis.
The United States House of Representatives has formally urged President Donald Trump to impose sanctions on Nigeria due to the ongoing violence against Christians in the country. This resolution emerged during a congressional hearing that examined the escalating religious persecution faced by Christians and other minority groups in Nigeria, where severe attacks by Islamist extremists have led to thousands of deaths and mass displacement.
Lawmakers expressed concern regarding the Biden administration’s decision to revoke Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC). Representative Chris Smith criticized Secretary Blinken for this reversal, stating, “In December 2020, President Trump designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern only to be reversed without justification by Secretary Blinken in November of 2021,” highlighting the outrage expressed by Nigerian religious leaders.
Smith emphasized that the Nigerian government has not effectively protected Christians who are constitutionally guaranteed religious freedom. He noted, “The Government of Nigeria has failed to make progress against religiously motivated persecution of Christians despite religious freedom being enshrined as an essential human right in its Constitution.” He referenced alarming statistics from Genocide Watch, labeling Nigeria as “a killing field of defenceless Christians” and revealing that over 52,000 Christians had been targeted and killed since 2009.
Additionally, Smith pointed out that about five million Nigerians, primarily Christians, have been displaced into IDP camps due to the violence. He reiterated his resolution urging the Biden administration to restore Nigeria’s CPC designation, which he reintroduced as H. Res. 220 following a previous effort that did not proceed to the House floor. “Help can’t come fast enough,” he asserted.
The hearing, entitled Conflict and Persecution in Nigeria: The Case for a CPC Designation, featured testimonies from religious leaders like Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, who described a systematic strategy against the Christian population in Nigeria. Anagbe remarked, “A long-term, Islamic agenda to homogenize the population has been implemented, over several presidencies.” He detailed various forms of violence against Christians, including kidnappings and land seizures.
Nina Shea, of the Hudson Institute, raised further alarm about Nigeria’s dire situation, labeling it as the “world’s deadliest country for Christians.” She pointed out that militant groups pose a significant threat to the Christian communities, particularly in the Middle Belt.
Former USCIRF Chair Tony Perkins criticized the Western media for downplaying the severity of the crisis, stating that many outlets continued to overlook the pandemic of violence against Christians. He noted, “In Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, vicious attacks and bloodshed continue to surge, week after week, month after month.”
The increasing pressure from lawmakers and advocacy groups leads to questions regarding whether President Trump will take decisive action by reinstating Nigeria’s CPC designation and implementing necessary sanctions to combat this ongoing persecution.
In conclusion, the United States House of Representatives has taken a significant step by urging President Trump to impose sanctions on Nigeria in response to the alarming rise in violence against Christians. The discussion highlighted the urgent need for the U.S. government to address religious persecution, emphasizing the failure of the Nigerian government to protect its Christian citizens. There is a growing call for accountability as advocates seek to reverse the Biden administration’s decision to rescind Nigeria’s CPC designation and to introduce measures that could alleviate the suffering of those affected.
Original Source: saharareporters.com
